Understanding the Big Five Personality Traits With Apt Examples

How a person reacts to situations, largely depends on his personality trait.

Psychologists have deciphered 5 basic types of personality that help to categorize human personality in a simple way. Also known as the 'Big 5 personality traits', they are based on the five-factor model of personality that describes the qualities of a person, which help identify his/her behavior.

Quite a few sets of independent researchers had proposed the big 5 model in the 1960s, but it was only in 1990 when researcher J.M Digman upgraded his five-factor model of personality, which gained wide acceptance. The model was then incorporated in the highest level of organization by Lewis Goldberg. It was observed that this model covered most known personality traits, and provided a structure to combine all the research results and theory in personality psychology. The basis of personality traits, the five-factor model is found to be practical, and its applicability is well-supported across observers and different cultures.

There are 5 major personality traits that influence the way we behave, the career we choose, and the lifestyle we lead. These are the inherent characteristics that dominate human existence. Each person displays a characteristic personality trait that prevails throughout his life. Although quite a few show different personality traits in varying degrees, one personality trait dominates in each one of us that reflects our character.

Neuroticism

People who show high degree of neuroticism are least stable emotionally. They tend to overreact to little things and get upset easily. They face a hard time managing stress and are vulnerable to induction of negative mood. The low emotional stability associated with neuroticism is contributory factor to their mood-related problems. Trivial issues tend to make them angry and anxious. Studies show that this personality trait puts a person in the risk of suffering from depression.

Such individuals tend to see the negative side of things and easily slip into a negative emotional state. A person who is moody, worries about things and gets tense, irritated, or nervous easily, is the best example of neuroticism.

Extraversion

This personality trait has a significant impact on social behavior. People with extraversion personality trait are highly social. They tend to have strong social skills and are extremely friendly. They like interacting with people and enjoy attending social events like parties. They are attention seekers, enthusiastic, talkative, and love engaging in deep discussions. They are assertive and are at ease while talking to others. They are extremely uncomfortable spending time alone, and hence, are always seen in the company of others. Teachers, politicians, and salespersons who enjoy engaging with people, are all examples of this personality trait.

Agreeableness

Politeness and compassion are the hallmarks of people having this personality trait. People with this personality trait are more than happy to help others. Agreeableness has been associated with good behavior. They are goodhearted people, extremely cooperative and trustworthy. Positive aspects, such as politeness, being courteous and considerate to others, can be noticed when interacting with people having this personality trait. They are high in empathy, and their style of communication shows concern and respect for their colleagues. Some of the best examples of agreeableness personality trait are individuals who are helpful, empathetic, and unselfish.

Conscientiousness

Self discipline and dutifulness are the two important aspects of a conscientiousness personality. A highly conscientious person performs his day-to-day tasks in the most disciplined manner. He is highly responsible, well-organized, and very particular about planning to achieve goals. He also takes all the necessary steps to achieve success in life. Individuals who display this personality trait have a tendency to consider the impact of their actions beforehand.

They perform actions well within their ethical beliefs, and those actions never breach the boundary of moral decency. They are cautious while conversing and measured in their actions. They exercise self-control, and never act impulsively. People who score high on the conscientiousness scale work hard and strive towards perfection. They work efficiently and tend to be workaholics who desire to excel in their career. Punctuality, reliability, using time efficiently, and strictly obeying workplace rules are all traits observed in people with a conscientiousness personality.

Their various aspects of life reflect the characteristics of conscientiousness. For instance, their homes are clean and organized, free from any sort of clutter. The day-to-day necessities such as clothes and books are arranged properly, rather than haphazardly stuffed in the room.

Openness

People displaying an openness personality are open-minded and receptive to new ideas. They are adventurous and eager to go move out of their comfort zone and experience new things. They prefer to come out of their monotonous routine. They seek to learn new things that enhance their knowledge. They enjoy finding a solution to a creative puzzle. Scientists and professional artists tend to have high openness levels and score high on creativity. Low openness is an indication of conservative behavior and unwillingness to accept liberal views. Although people with low level of openness are not good at showcasing their creative skills, they may be efficient in doing monotonous jobs.

The Big 5 Personality Test

For personality research, 'Big 5' personality test always come in handy. It can certainly help to evaluate your personality. It involves answering a set of multiple choice questions that are essentially targeted to identify your behavior. Although higher scores mean that you have a particular personality trait, poor scores does not necessarily mean that you are low in all personality traits. Although researchers agree that this psychology test is not very effective in assessing the actual behavior, it does help to summarize the personality of the individual and know his social landscape. This personality test can help individuals choose their career that suits their personality trait. It can act as a career path guidance system to identify your field of interest. Recruiters can also use this test for employee evaluation. Depending upon his personality, the recruiter can determine whether the prospective employee is suitable for the designation. So, be it for career development or employee assessment, this personality test can certainly be a valuable asset in this regard.